1. Koh Rong Island, Cambodia
This is hands down the nicest beach in the world (based on what we’ve seen). There are technically two Koh Rong Islands in Cambodia. One is a dive location for boats leaving Sihanoukville (Koh Sanloem) and one is lost out in the sea, left virtually untouched by tourism.When the longtail boat rounds the corner and you see the absolutely stunning stretch of powdery white sand, you can’t help but be amazed. The Sok San beach goes on for 8 km and dips into the alluring turquoise sea at the perfect swimming gradient.
2. Hsipaw, Myanmar
Okay so Myanmar may not be the untouched paradise that it once was, but take a trek into the villages around Hsipaw and find some amazing Shan culture within easy reach.
When you arrive, don’t be discouraged by
the daily tours that leave Hsipaw with 8-10 people/group. Ignore them,
ignore the guides and just walk out into the surrounding villages
yourself.
You’ll be rewarded with waterfalls,
farmland, natural hot-springs and genuine local hospitality. You’ll
likely have locals invite you in for meals and you can see their homes
and the amazingly laid-back lifestyle in which they live. You may even
be able to teach some English, if you come across Hope and her incredible school in Naloy village.
3. Sumatra, Indonesia
I know it’s a huge region to list as “off
the beaten path” but Sumatra island really is an untouched paradise.
There are places where you will run into a bunch of backpackers but even
in those places you can sneak off and find a place of your own.
For the most part though, Sumatra is
extremely non-touristed and it boasts some of the most amazing sights in
the entire region. Lake Toba and Lake Meninjau offer crystal clear,
fresh water smack dab in the middle of a volcano crater.
If you stay here you will probably have an
entire guesthouse to yourself (depending on which side of the lake you
stay on). Definitely don’t miss Sumatra if you’re trying to avoid
crowds, it’s one of the best places to be. A stark contrast to busy
Bali.
4. Kapas Island Malaysia
How does nobody know about this place? Well
some people do, the Malaysians and they keep it all to themselves.
Don’t worry though, outside of holiday times you will probably be one of
the only people on the island and the beach here is stunning!
Stay with the Captain at The Captain’s
Longhouse and meet one of the coolest characters you’ll ever come across
on your travels. He’ll take you in, treat you like family and send you
on your way with a smile on your face. There’s nowhere quite like Kapas
Island.
5. Kuta, Lombok, Indonesia
Don’t confuse this with the tourist trap
that they call Kuta in Bali. Kuta, Lombok is a whole different place
that puts the Balinese version to shame.
It’s a laid back surfing village with just
enough to do to keep you entertained for a week or so…unless you surf,
in which case you could probably just pack up and move here.
Kuta beach itself is not fully off the
beaten path, but rent a motorbike and ride to one of the many secluded
coves or distant villages surrounding Kuta and find a little piece of
heaven and keep it all to yourself.
6. Koh Kood Thailand
Be warned, this is SO off the beaten path
that you may get bored if you stay here longer than a few nights. Koh
Kood (Koh Kut) is absolutely breathtaking. Its jungle-clad interior
boasts stunning waterfalls and tourist-free monasteries where you’ll
actually meet Thai people who are surprised to see a tourist. A treat
you may never find anywhere else in Thailand.
The beaches are powdery white perfection
and the huts are actually very comfortable. There are no real roads on
the island, although you can rent a motorbike (at exorbitant prices) and
head inland to seek out some seldom visited sights. And we mean seldom.
This place is deserted in the peak season
especially away from its coast. What a place! If you’re down for some
serious relaxation and privacy, Koh Kood is the place for you.
7. El Nido, Philippines
Whoah! you say, El Nido is a place that shows up in bold in the front of your Lonely Planet Philippines Guide Book.
How can it be off the beaten path? Well, El Nido itself is clearly no
longer off the beaten path, but some of the islands around El Nido
definitely are.
Take your pick of one of the deserted 45
islands, pack your sleeping gear and some food and head out! Camping on
the islands will be a highlight of your trip to SE Asia. Talk to your
hostel, fishermen, other travellers to figure out the logistics of it
all.
Just make sure you explain that you want to be far away from other
tourists and you will find yourself on an island, alone, living out your
Robinson Crusoe fantasies.
8. Don Khong Island, Laos
This stunning place is actually on the
trail, but it’s on the trail that leads to the more popular neighbouring
island of Don Det. In Southern Laos, in the 4 Thousand Islands region,
Don Khong is a little piece of hidden calm inside a tsunami of tourists
that force their way up from Thailand.
When everybody else hops on the first boat
out to get to the backpacker haven known as Don Det, you should consider
staying behind.
Rent a bike and head around this tiny
island and see a piece of Laos culture that you won’t see again unless
you head far North past Luang Prabang. Small villages with kind and
inquisitive locals will greet you on your travels and you’ll be able to
witness something few other travellers here do, the real Laos.
9. Southern Inle Lake, Myanmar
Inle Lake itself definitely shows up on the
tourist radar, but most people stick to the boat tours that putter
around the northern reaches of the lake.
Find a boatman who is willing to take you
as far south as you can go, the closer you get to the “Permit Zone” the
fewer travellers you will see and the more authentic experiences you
will have.
It may cost you a few extra bucks to get
down there, but it’s so worth it. The villages are untouched and the
monasteries are empty and beautiful. Also, don’t forget to rent a
bicycle and bike around the lake yourself; stop off at a winery, meet
local fishermen and enjoy watching Myanmar go by.
Most people who come to Inle Lake think
it’s a tourist trap because they don’t take the time to find a place for
themselves. The Southern part of the lake is a place not to be missed.
10. Sumbawa, Indonesia
This place really is in the middle of
nowhere. It’s on the way to the more popular islands like Komodo and
Flores, but 99% of people who see Sumbawa, see it only from the window
of a bus on their way to see the Komodo Dragons.
If you’re not a surfer, there’s not a whole
lot to do here, but there are some stunning beaches, hidden villages
and amazing coral that’s yours alone to discover.
That’s our list of off-the-beaten-path places! Make sure when you travel
to Southeast Asia you make an effort to get away from the crowds, at
least once. We guarantee that if you do, you won’t be disappointed.
